Man questioned after intruder dies

Detectives are questioning a householder on suspicion of murder after an intruder was stabbed to death at his home.

Two men reportedly forced their way into the house of Vincent Cooke, 39, and threatened him before one of the assailants suffered fatal knife injuries.

Mr Cooke was initially home alone at the time in Bramhall, Stockport, but his wife, Karen, and their 12-year-old son returned during the incident. They managed to escape unharmed.

Police were called to the scene in Midland Road at about 7.50pm yesterday and along with paramedics gave first aid to the injured intruder thought to be aged in his late 30s but he died shortly after.

Floral tributes to the dead man - referred to as "Ray" and "Raymondo" - were left today by his family members outside the large detached house. One tribute read: "Love you son. Going to miss you more than anything."

Earlier, police issued an alert to find the second suspected intruder who fled in a white Citroen van that was parked nearby, but he was later apprehended.

A police cordon was placed around the property as forensic teams came in and out of the address which is located in an affluent area.

Parked on the driveway were a gold Maserati luxury sports car and a silver Range Rover - both with personalised registration plates - and a large white Transit van bearing the logo of courier firm Transco Express Logistics Ltd.

Neighbours spoke of their shock about the incident.

One said: "I'm staggered. I can't imagine something like that happening here.

"I don't think the family have lived here for long.

"If you have children though, you do anything to protect your home."

Another neighbour, who also did not wish to be named, said: "Whoever tried to break into the house deserved all they got."

Chief Superintendent Tim Forber said a team of detectives was carrying out a "thorough investigation" to establish the full facts of what had happened.

He said he could not comment on whether anyone else was injured or if the intruders were known to the householder.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesman added: "A 39-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody for questioning.

"Officers have now arrested a 33-year-old man on suspicion of aggravated burglary.

"Police have also recovered a white Citroen van that was wanted as part of the investigation."

It is the third incident of its kind in Greater Manchester in the last few months.

In June, Peter Flanagan, 59, fatally stabbed an intruder at his home in Salford after he was confronted by a gang of masked men wielding machetes.

A month later, florist Cecil Coley, 72, stabbed a burglar at his shop in Old Trafford, Manchester.

Both men were arrested on suspicion of murder at the time but were later released without charge as the Crown Prosecution Service ruled they acted in reasonable self-defence.

Anyone with information about the latest incident should phone police on 0161 856 2031 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.